Taco Bell tests its own meat alternative before testing Beyond Meat

Taco Bell has started testing its own alternative to meat, giving its vegetarian customers another reason to return to its restaurants.

The Yum Brands chain was previously reluctant to add plant meat to the menu, citing the variety of vegetarian options, such as potatoes and beans, that are already available as substitutes. In January, it changed course and announced that it would test an alternative to Beyond Meat this year.

But first, customers can try Taco Bell’s own plant-based option, made in the chain’s test kitchen. The Cravetarian Taco, a vegetarian version of the Crunchy Taco Supreme, contains a meat substitute made from a mixture of peas and chickpeas. The taco also comes with shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream in a crunchy shell.

For now, the Cravetarian Taco is only available at one Taco Bell location – in Tustin, California. The chain plans to test the item until April 29th. Customers can also swap the alternative meats in other menu items, such as burritos or chalupas, at no extra cost.

Shares of Yum, which also owns KFC and Pizza Hut, have risen 44% in the past year, giving the company a market value of $ 35.1 billion. Yum is expected to report its returns in the first quarter on April 28. The Mexican-inspired chain has largely bounced back from the coronavirus pandemic, but it still misses late and morning sales if consumers stay home.